Quick Start Guide
Page 6 of 7
Checking IDs
TokenWorks provides the IDvisor ID scanner to automate and document the ID checking process for purchasing age
sensitive products (Tobacco/Alcohol).
The number one cause for citations, according to enforcement officers, is mental errors such as failing to check an ID
or making a math error when calculating the age from the date of birth. In a busy retail environment, it is easy to
understand a new or tired clerk/server skipping important steps or making calculation errors.
Recording the ID data, ID status (OK, under21, etc.) with a date/time stamp provides an affirmative defense for
organizations cited for serving a minor. Several states have affirmative defense legislation which helps defend an
organization's liquor license if an ID scanner was used.
The IDvisor ID scanners will help detect some fake or altered IDs. Just having one will cause some people to think twice
about presenting such an ID. For example, the ID scanner will help detect if the printed date of birth or expiration date
has been altered using ink (e.g. changing a 3 to an 8) by reading the unaltered date encoded on the data stripe and
display an underage/expired warning. Another possibility is the encoded data stripe doesn't match the printed data on
the front of the license (e.g. John Smith is printed on the front, but Mary Jones is encoded on the stripe). In this case,
the ID scanner will NOT produce a warning but an operator who is cross checking the displayed versus printed data
should notice the discrepancy.
However, fake IDs are like counterfeit money in that if the person creating them has sufficient skill and resources, it is
extremely difficult to detect without proper investigation resources. Merchants serving age sensitive products are
expected to make a reasonable effort when checking IDs and using an ID scanner is a significant indicator of such
effort. That is why many states have affirmative defense legislation for merchants who use an ID scanner.
3511 Silverside Rd, Suite 105
Wilmington, DE 19810
Phone: (800) 574 5034
Revision: 1.0 February 2010
